An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Ivory Plaque with Enthroned Mother of God ("The Stroganoff Ivory")950–1025
The Mother of God is seated on a lavishly carved, high-backed throne. Two angels hover above, drawing attention to the Christ child poised in her lap. Representations of the enthroned Virgin and Child have a long tradition in Byzantine art, stretching back as far as the 6th century. With one hand raised in blessing, the other holding a scroll, Christ is portrayed here as an emotionless and supernatural child, visualizing for the pious beholder the mystery of his incarnation.
This ivory is also known as the <em>Stroganoff Ivory </em>because it was once in the collection of Sergei Grigoryevich Stroganoff, a Russian statesman and art historian.
ivory
Overall: 25.3 x 17.2 x 1.8 cm (9 15/16 x 6 3/4 x 11/16 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade
In a softly lit space, the Mother of God sits gracefully upon a throne intricately carved, adorned with the artistry of skilled hands that tell stories of faith and devotion. High-backed and resplendent, her seat commands the attention of all who enter. Above her, two angels glide, their wings whispering secrets of the divine, drawing our gaze towards the precious figure nestled in her lap—the Child Christ.
The air seems thick with a palpable reverence. This scene, a rich tapestry woven through centuries, speaks to the timeless tradition of the enthroned Virgin and Child in Byzantine art, a legacy that reaches back to the 6th century. Here, in this moment captured forever, Christ is portrayed not just as a child, but as a being of profound mystery, transcending human emotion. His small hand, raised in a gesture of blessing, conveys a sense of serene authority, while his other hand clutches a scroll, perhaps a hint of the teachings that will one day emerge from him.
In that stillness, for the devoted viewer, a narrative unfolds—a glimpse into the divine mystery of incarnation. It invites us to ponder, to reflect on the sacred ties that bind humanity to the celestial. In the presence of such artistry, we find a moment of peace, a gentle reminder of the awe-inspiring stories threaded through our shared existence.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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